As we sat for devotions tonight, led by Emily and Janis, we were challenged to live and be present in the moment. Each of us is carrying our own hopes, dreams, expectations, etc. that turn our focus to future possibilities - the "what could be's" and the "what if's". These are not inherently bad or evil, but they can take us away from experiencing all that God is doing in the moment, where we are presently, with the people sharing space around us.
Here is a snapshot of what we did in the many moments of today:
Deb, Sue, Alex, and Kelsey traveled with Annette (jjajja program manager) on three jjajja visits. We took a taxi (i.e. a van with 5 rows of seats that filled every seat and then some) to our first visit. This jjajja is living in a small mud/brick space and taking care of 7 grandchildren, one of whom she is raising as her own after finding her as an infant on the side of the road. She is experiencing serious pain and swelling in her legs, but that does not keep her from caring for her grandchildren. She was so grateful for the bags of food and bag of gifts that she began dancing and singing, despite the pain in her legs. We visited two more jjajjas who are both experiencing pain in their bodies and are taking care of 7+ grandchildren. The pain and hardship that these women live with everyday was evident, but what shined more brightly was the joy they felt for having visitors and receiving gifts. After another taxi ride and boda boda (motorbike) ride, we made it back to Kasubi for a late lunch.
Denise and Shelby spent the morning and afternoon at Kasubi leading an IT workshop that focused on Excel and Word. How wonderful they can share their skills with teachers and leaders at Kasubi! This knowledge will enhance the education and work being done at Kasubi and is invaluable to both the teachers and leaders and the students at Kasubi who range from preschool to high school.
Nik spent his morning teaching calculus to four high school students. He did not know what to expect even as he walked up the stairs to the classroom, but God provided at the right moment and they had a great lesson. He, along with Caleb, Michaela, Emily, and Liz, visited two jjajjas in the afternoon. (They also survived boda boda rides!) They were able to bring gifts and greetings to these souls who give all they have for their children and grandchildren. These visits show a mix of beauty and pain that words can't quite describe, but these women are truly amazing warriors.
Before their afternoon jjajja visits, Michaela, Caleb, Emily, and Liz spent the morning with children at Kasubi. Michaela and Caleb led a PE class with students in P1 and P2 (1st and 2nd grade-ish) playing with soccer balls and the parachute and learning other fun games. Emily and Liz played with the preschool kids who also enjoyed the parachute and especially bubbles. Bubbles are always a hit!
Janis led a music class with the young kids this morning and high school kids this afternoon. With no preparation or knowledge of how these lessons would go, she prayed that God would get her through. And He showed up in a major way! She was able to teach the students different music skills and learned some things herself. She even had a mini jam session with the older students as they taught her a song and she joined in on the guitar. She was then treated to a (mostly) private concert as some of the students shared their choir with her. This was a special experience that could only have been designed by God.
Jim and Greg left the Kasubi site to work at the TAPP office just down the road. After much rain on Wednesday evening, a wall in the back of the TAPP office came down! Jim and Greg contributed their skills and determination to this project of rebuilding the wall. What wonderful timing that they are here to help with this!
We were all reunited again at Kasubi around 4:30 to have a goat presentation. Yep, goats! Park Place provided the funds to purchase 10 goats that were given to local jjajjas, several of whom we had visited earlier in the day. This was a joyful celebration filled with smiles, tears, dancing, and singing. Thank you Park Place for making this moment possible!
Dinner and devotions concluded the evening, where we spent time reflecting together. We head to bed thankful for these moments... and looking forward to the moments that will fill our day tomorrow. :)
In Christ,
Mzungu Bloggers
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